Nick Scholfield 'conscious' but taken to hospital following Cheltenham fall

Jockey Nick Scholfield has been taken to hospital but is reported conscious following a fall at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

Scholfield came down on the Keiran Burke-trained Last Royal at the final flight in the Safran Handicap Hurdle and was taken away from the track in an ambulance for further assessment, according to a Jockey Club statement.

The statement read: "Following assessment by the expert medical team on course, Nick Scholfield was conscious and transported to Royal Gloucestershire Hospital for further assessment. We extend our best wishes to Nick."

The screens were up around Last Royal for a while, but his trainer told the Racing Post he was unscathed following the race.

Burke, who has described Last Royal as the best horse he has been involved with, said: "He's fine. We had to keep the horse away from Nick for as long as we could, but he's okay. Nick has just gone so we'll check on him later."

There was further drama in the penultimate race on Wednesday as fourth-placed finisher Jesuitique came down in the paddock after the race.

Racecourse director Ian Renton was among those who quickly helped put screens up, but the horse got up and was fine a few moments later. He was reported to suffer post-race heat stress, according to the stewards' report.

Unfortunately Brother Pat was reported a fatality shortly after being pulled up in the 3m1½f novice handicap chase.

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